A Panama-flagged cargo ship has sunk in the Bay of Bengal, prompting immediate search and rescue operations. Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reported that all relevant agencies are currently involved in the efforts. So far, two of the ship’s 24 crew members have been successfully rescued.
“Deeply concerned by the unfortunate incident involving MV OCEAN WINNER off the coast of Odisha. The Panama-flagged vessel was carrying iron ore from Paradip Port to China. Following the distress alert, MRCC (SVP) activated the International Safety Net (ISN) and diverted MT AISOPOS to search for the vessel and its liferafts and render assistance.
A Panama-flagged cargo ship carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, sank near India’s east coast in the Bay of Bengal, officials said on Saturday. It was last reported around 317 East Island Lt 310 nautical miles, according to officials. The merchant vessel later rescued two survivors from two liferafts at around 2000 hours.
Sonowal said in a post on X that the rescued survivors are being given medical care and their rank and identity is being verified. All agencies are coordinating closely and actively doing search and rescue efforts,” he said.
The identities of the rescued crew members were not immediately known. Earlier reporting noted: 2 rescued, search on for 22 after Panama-flagged cargo ship sinks in Bay of Bengal | latest updates The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intensified search and rescue operations after the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal on August 22, officials said on Sunday. The vessel went down around 230 nautical miles from the Paradip coast of Odisha with 24 crew members on board. Earlier reporting noted: The crew comprised 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmarese and one Bangladeshi, officials said. Earlier reporting noted: An ICG spokesperson said MT Aisopos rescued two crew members from separate liferafts at around 8 pm on Saturday.
A senior police official said efforts were underway to trace the remaining crew members.
